Madeline – the Eckington School Boat

From the first moment, it was the centre of attention. During our Festival, lots of people came to have a look round. All were very impressed.

Today, there were some Y7s from the school using the boat.

As you can see, it caused a stir as soon as it arrived at Hollingwood Hub.

The School bought the steel shell from ABC Boats. Staff and students from the school have spent nearly three years fitting it out. To see a video made in early 2012 by Eckington Parish TV, featuring the then Chesterfield Canal Partnership Development Manager, Geraint Coles, click here.

The shell of the boat arrived at the school in October 2011.

It was placed on wooden battens.

Over the course of the next three years …..

….. it was gradually fitted out by students and staff.

This was October 2013, not a dead body, it’s Dave fitting the water tank.

This was taken the week before being put in the water.

As was this one.

The Trust did some crew training on our tripboat Hugh Henshall …..

….. and at Pillings Lock Marina on the River Soar/Grand Union Canal near Loughborough.

These are four of the most important people in the project –
Gill Parker, Samuel Bell, Iain Rowbotham and Dave Dumelow. Jamie Parker was not present, but he is pictured in the photo above left with Samuel.

Eckington Parish TV came to make a film.

If you would like to check out Madeline, come to Hollingwood Hub. The Trust runs trips from the Hub using Madeline. The takings are split equally between the school and the Trust. Click here for details.